From Tactical To Strategic Sustainability Communication: a Qualitative Study on Corporations in Türkiye

Abstract

PurposeThis study aims to examine the extent to which companies internalize, adopt and communicate the issue of sustainability. With this aim, research questions address companies' approaches to sustainable development goals (SDGs), the extent to which the concept of sustainability is reflected in the goals, vision, mission and values of the organizations and the interrelationship between corporate identities, SDGs, sustainability projects and communication activities of the companies.Design/methodology/approachContent analysis is employed on the sustainability reports, websites, social media accounts, media releases and news of the corporations listed in BIST Sustainability Index (2020) in T & uuml;rkiye. The typology of sustainability communication processes (Newig et al., 2013) is utilized for data analysis to reveal an overall picture of the companies' approach to sustainability communication.FindingsResearch findings demonstrated that only 11 companies internalize, adopt and communicate the issue of sustainability. A total of 32 companies make no mention of sustainability in their vision, mission, purpose or values. It is observed that few companies establish their entire communication on sustainability strategy. Although some of the companies' purpose of existence is sustainability, and they manage valuable projects, their approach to communication is still tactical. The study reveals that most of the companies take a tactical approach to sustainability and fewer adopt strategic actions and communications.Originality/valueIn T & uuml;rkiye, research on sustainability involves either optimistic evaluations of governmental organizations or limited case studies on specific SDGs, particular sectors or social media analyses. This research exposes the holistic picture of sustainability and communication among the companies listed in the BIST Sustainability Index. The results of the holistic approach suggest that organizations should improve their communication about sustainability and communication for sustainability to activate their publics.